Perk Valley Peak Performer: Emily Armstrong

It is a special occurence when an area student grabs notoriety or receives national acclaim. It’s even more outstanding when that student’s athletic ability or academic prowess garners the student a full scholarship to a Division I or nationally renowned educational institution. This is the case for this week’s Perk Valley Peak Performer student spotlight.

Emily Armstrong, who has been a cornerstone in head coach Kim Paulus’ soccer program since her freshman year, recently signed her letter of intent, accepting a full scholarship to Boston College, where she will hope to make the same impact on the Eagles soccer team that she has for the .

You don’t get to Armstrong’s level of success without an army of people supporting you along the way, a fact that the 5-foot 8-inch net minder knows.

“I have been so lucky to have so many amazing people help me get this far,” said Armstrong, a hero of last year’s powder puff football win by the junior class.

“Coach Kim Paulus and Ashley Potter, my coaches at Perkiomen Valley, have been two of the most supportive people over the last five years (back through eighth grade). Through the ups and the downs of our team, they have been there for me.”

Armstron hopes to take on "Bean Town" with the same intensity with which she prtoects her net and attacks everyday life in the valley of the Vikings.

Armstrong will be pursuing a career in physical therapy. She is anxiously preparing herself for the move to a new region and a big city.

“I chose B-C because it was the situation that fit me the best,” said Armstrong, flashing the infectious smile that her teammates and coaches have become used to seeing every day.

"I am looking forward to working with coaches Alison Foley, Neel Bhattacharjee and Kia McNeill,” she continued.

Getting to know our student in the spotlight:

If you could choose any three people to hang out with on or off the field, who would they be?

“I would love to spend more time with Matie, Kia McNeil of the Philadelphia Independence, who is am amazing player, and of course my training coach Shawn Mecchi. I don’t know what I would do without him.”

If we tapped into your headphones before a big game, what kind of music would we hear?

“Anything but country. I really like Rihanna and Taylor Swift, along with a lot of other stuff, but no country.”

Is there a celebrity or athlete you have a crush on?

“Bradley Cooper; his eyes are unbelievable. I would love to meet Bradley Cooper.”

How long have you played, and why soccer?

“I have played since I was 8 years old. I love the challenge of the game, the speed, the skills, and most of all the fun I have with my teammates at school and at my club team (Pennsylvania Strikers). Soccer is a great game, and the girls I have met through it have been awesome, and we will be friends for life."

Who have the biggest influences in pursuing your love of the sport?

“I met Maite Zabala when I was in elementary school, and she played on the Philadelphia Charge (part of the former Women's United Soccer Association). She has been such a big influence on my life. ”

Final thoughts?

“I am so blessed to have the support of my family and friends and really looking forward to playing this season and having fun. Knowing where I am committed has taken all of the stress away. It is time to relax, play and try to win the PAC-10 as a team.”